2. amps-preamps
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First Watt SIT-3 preamp pairing advice

Hi There,

I have Nelson Pass's First Watt SIT-3 power amplifier. I am using a ~15 year old VAC (Valve Amplification Company) Standard Preamplifier with NOS Telefunken 12AU7 and 12AX7 tubes for the 2 stages. I am looking to upgrade the preamp and am considering the Passlab XP-12 or the Linear Tube Audio MicroZotl MZ3 preamp. My impression is that both preamps are fairly popular when pairing with First Watt amps. Anyone here have paired both these preamps with the SIT-3 and can provide impressions that might help me decide? If there is 3rd option that you like very much, I am all ears too. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Andrew
longinc
longinc OP
35 posts
 
Thanks @coachpoconnor! for sharing your experience of the MZ2
saleh84's avatar
saleh84
42 posts
 
I have SIT-3 and SIT-2 as well. Speakers are cube audio nenuphar, 92 db efficiency.
After a long debate between me any myself i bought a pass xp-22. It simply rocks, and can drive the SIT-3 (which is the more picky amp here) to its potential. 
I would suggest either the xp-12 or the 22/32 depending on budget. The design of the pre is very flexible to work with the widest range of sources and amps
stephentp's avatar
stephentp
24 posts
 

I have the SIT 3 parked with a Freya+ and Soliloquy 6.3’s 89db (2.5 way) bi-wired speakers. I’m quite certain the more expensive preamps listed make noticeable improvements over the Schitt preamp but I’m satisfied with the gain level of the Freya at my price range in combination with the tube friendly 6.3’ and SIT3. Got a steal on some GOLD Wireworld interconnects (probably overkill for my system) and maybe that helps mend the trio together keeping the holographic warm-glow but well retaining the separation of the highs, thumps and mids. Happy listening!

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